Workshops are coming up this month to help a lakecity songwriter bring his musical vision to the stage.
Set in the historical Cariboo during the early 1900’s, A Northern Tale is a quintessential Canadian folktale expressed with the original music of Glen Burrill and interpreted through dance, images and spoken word.
“I think the story has something for everybody, being from the Cariboo,” says Burrill, who has been writing music since his early teens and began working on this particular project in 2001.
He is looking forward to seeing his musical vision develop as a collaborative community project.
“I think it will be a lot of fun.”
Based on the fairy tale, Cap O’ Rushes, he has interpreted the story for a Cariboo audience. A daughter is cast out of her father’s house and comes of age through a journey in the wilderness, encounters with local First Nations, and making her own way in the rough and ready Cariboo ranching life.
The production will include narration as well as the original musical score, framed by the photography of Chris Harris.
Burrill says the project team is seeking a choreographer, dancers, a narrator and musicians.
People interested in participating in the project and especially dancers are invited to explore the music in workshop sessions coming up at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre on Sunday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
While these will not be formal auditions, dancers are encouraged to come prepared to participate in exploring the story and music and to consider whether they would be interested in getting involved in the project, Burrill says.
For more information please contact Glen or Anne Burrill at 250-398-6315.
